The White House has previewed the huge fighting arena known as “The Claw” that will host an Ultimate Fighting Championship bout on US President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday.
Journalists including RTÉ News Washington Correspondent Jackie Fox were granted access for the first time to the 92-foot tall structure – taller than the White House itself – that workmen have been building for weeks on the historic South Lawn.
In the centre is the so-called “Octagon”, the eight-sided cage where 14 UFC fighters will battle it out in front of Mr Trump in the unprecedented event on Sunday night.
Surrounding the Octagon are black padded seats for 4,500 guests, each with a sign on the back saying “Warning: Please do not stand on chair,” in case spectators get overexcited.
A huge red, white and blue sign saying “UFC Freedom 250” greets visitors and a similar logo appears on video screens attached to the side of the arena.
Watch the sneak peak tour in our video above.